Cadmium uptake and its effects on the growth of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L. cv carioca) was studied in a complete Hoagland &Arnon nutritive solution, containing cadmium levels ranging from 10 to 200 mmol L-1. The concentration of cadmium in leaves and roots increased as the concentration of cadmium in the solution increased. The cadmium level in roots was greater than in leaves. The inhibition of leave and root growths by cadmium was reversible.